Flow Conditioning Insert for Mass Flow Meter Adaptability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mass flow meters require a complex and costly array of flow resistance elements to accommodate varying flow rates, leading to high costs and complexity, and existing solutions for conditioned fluid flows do not ensure reproducible and accurate measurements without extensive calibration.

Innovation Solution

A flow conditioning insert with a combination of a double screen and a modular flow resistance element, comprising parallel channels and orifices of different diameters, is used in the main flow channel, allowing for adjustable flow resistance without the need for multiple elements and simplifying calibration through a defined axial installation position and radial openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow resistance elements with different opening diameters are provided to accommodate varying flow rates, then the adaptability to different flow rates is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different flow ratesVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple flow resistance elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single flow resistance element is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating parallel channels with different opening diameters within one structure. This universal element can accommodate varying flow rates without requiring multiple separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow resistance element is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each with different opening diameters. This segmentation allows a single element to handle a range of flow rates by providing multiple flow paths with different resistance characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow resistance elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow resistance elements with different opening diameters are provided to accommodate varying flow rates, then the adaptability to different flow rates is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different flow ratesVSAvoidcost of multiple flow resistance elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single flow resistance element is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating parallel channels with different opening diameters within one structure. This universal element can accommodate varying flow rates without requiring multiple separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow resistance element is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each with different opening diameters. This segmentation allows a single element to handle a range of flow rates by providing multiple flow paths with different resistance characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow resistance elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If flow resistance elements are exchanged to adjust flow rates, then the adaptability to different flow rates is improved, but the ease of operation and calibration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different flow ratesVSAvoidease of exchange and calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single flow resistance element is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating parallel channels with different opening diameters within one structure. This universal element can accommodate varying flow rates without requiring multiple separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow resistance element is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each with different opening diameters. This segmentation allows a single element to handle a range of flow rates by providing multiple flow paths with different resistance characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow resistance elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables continuous adjustment of flow resistance with a single element, reduces costs, and ensures reproducible and accurate measurements by stabilizing the fine screen and equalizing medium flow, eliminating the need for extensive calibration and alignment.

Implementation Method 1

the double sieve has a filter function and prevents any dirt in the medium from reaching the sensor area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A flow resistance element generates a small pressure drop in a main flow channel there, which causes a flow through a bypass channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

In the case of laminar flow, there is a linear relationship between the flow in the bypass channel and the pressure drop generated by the flow resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentEP2275786B1Device for preparing conditioned fluid flows

Publication Date: 2016.10.19 BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

To provide conditioned fluid flows, a main flow channel is formed in a base body, with a bypass channel branching off from and returning to the main flow channel. A replaceable flow conditioning insert features a flow resistance element and can be arranged in the main flow channel relative to the bypass channel in such an axial installation position that the flow resistance element generates a pressure difference between the connections of the bypass channel and the main flow channel.